Our Team

Mr. James Degnan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.  While he majored in Environmental Science, ensuring scholars receive an excellent education has always been a passion of his. In addition to Environmental Science, James also has a passion for technology and business. James was the School Operations Manager for HOPE Caritas for the past 4 years. The SOM role was a perfect fit to combine all of the areas he was interested in. This year, he is starting his new role as the Regional Choice Compliance Officer. He is excited to continue to serve across the HOPE network.

I, Liz Lavelle, am the proud Regional Compliance Manager for our HOPE Christian Schools in Milwaukee.  Previous to my role of the Regional Compliance Manager, I was the School Operations Manager at HOPE Fidelis since they opened in 2016 and served at HOPE Prima previous to that.  Having gone to Wittenberg University (2008) for Early Childhood Education I have always loved working with school-age children.  After two years of Americorps service and a Master’s Certificate in Non-Profit Management from UW-Milwaukee I found my calling working in school operations.  Christ has called me to serve the HOPE Regional community. I love being apart of the HOPE Christian Schools Regional network because I get to serve our scholars, families, and staff everyday.  I can always be reached at 414-203-5270 or liz.lavelle@hopeschools.org with any questions or ideas to make our school the best it can be. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family fishing at parks, reading with my son, and laying in a hammock on warm summer evenings.   I can’t wait for another wonderful year of serving the Lord, sharing His word, and showing His love to our students!

Edie (Kastenschmidt) Martwick is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College (2001) where she majored in education. As a college student she was awarded the “Impact Award” recognizing her leadership and contributions to the mission of the college. As a teacher she continued to demonstrate the importance of teacher as leader, serving at St. Marcus, HOPE Christian School, and EAGLE College Preparatory Schools in Arizona. While at EAGLE, she completed her Master’s Degree program in Curriculum and Instruction at Arizona State University (ASU).

Edie moved back to Milwaukee in 2009 to assume another leadership position as Director of Coaching for the Center for Urban Teaching. She mentored first and second year teachers, organized regular small group mentoring meetings, and coordinated the Urban Conference in Milwaukee.

In 2011, Edie returned full time to St. Marcus where she has served as a kindergarten teacher, an instructional coach, Director of Primary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Principal. In 2015, Edie joined the HOPE team as a Founding Principal. She graduated in 2016 with her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Alverno.  In 2023, Edie was privileged to receive the position of Director of Teaching and Learning with the HOPE Region where she will work with the Deans of Instruction to ensure all HOPE students receive a top-notch education.  This is Edie’s passion so she is excited to use her God-given talents in this manner.

Edie’s experiences in the school as a lead teacher and principal have provided valuable insights for each one of the positions. She is eager to build on her experiences to improve education for the children of Milwaukee.

Mrs. Medina is the proud Principal of HOPE Christian School Caritas. She is blessed to be a Cougar! A Cougar is an individual who shares the love of Christ and is willing to give their all. In her role, she is honored to set individuals on fire for Christ, provide a structured and joyful academic environment, and build lasting relationships. When she's not at school, she enjoys being with her church family at Word of Grace Fellowship, spending quality time with her wonderful Husband, writing, and shopping at Nike or Express clothing stores. At HOPE Caritas, we are more than just a team, we are family! She can’t wait to witness our Lord and Savior do miraculous things through a people that are yielded to Him.

I’m Principal Anna Mayo, the proud Principal at HOPE Christian School Fidelis! Fidelis means faithful, and my aim as our school leader is to train our teachers and students to model themselves after Jesus’ words and actions. At HOPE Fidelis, we talk about Christ and College every day with the goal of building future community leaders through Christian character formation and strong academics.

I am a graduate of UW-Stevens Point where I majored in Music Education. As a college student, I was awarded the Chancellor’s Leadership Award which honors graduates who have demonstrated significant leadership, community service, and a commitment to personal growth. My passion for the children of Milwaukee began in 2012, when I first volunteered at a choice school in the city through the Center for Urban Teaching. There, I witnessed firsthand the desire and drive that families and their students had for a quality education.

I have served as a teacher in Milwaukee for over a decade, starting at St. Marcus Lutheran School as a 4th and 5th grade English Language Arts Teacher. In 2016, I joined the founding staff at HOPE Fidelis as a K4 teacher. In 2018, I became the school’s full time music specialist, and have led the program’s growth to include general music for all grades, along with choral and instrumental enrichments. In 2020 and 2021, I was honored with HOPE’s “Faith and Action” and “Team Player” awards. In 2021, I graduated with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Above all other accomplishments and experiences, I am proud to be a founding member of the HOPE Fidelis staff, and I am honored to be able to partner with our staff, students and families to continue the school's legacy of excellence. 

Ms. Ghee is the proud Principal at HOPE Fortis. Fortis mean strong in Latin. Strength is what the Fortis famly exudes. Her strength in leadership comes from Christ; it's apparent in our relationships with scholars, parents, and community members.  Ms. Ghee is a graduate of Mount Mary University, and an award-winning educator.  She has been a part of Milwaukee's urban education community for many years. Her background and strength are in STEM education and youth empowerment.

Ms. Ghee enjoys getting to know new people, believes in continuous education and life-long learning, and is committed to driving excellence.

Ashley Boyte is a graduate of Culver-Stockton College with a degree in Business Administration. While she majored in Business, working with students has always been a passion. Upon graduation, she joined Teach for America and was placed to teach in Milwaukee. She taught Kindergarten at HOPE Caritas while attending Cardinal Stritch University. She graduated from Cardinal Stritch University in 2017 with a Master of Arts in Urban Education. Upon graduation and finishing her Teach for America commitment, Ashley knew she still wanted to work in a school setting. She sought a role where she could incorporate her business skills with her desire to serve children. Ashley became the School Operations Manager for HOPE Caritas and then transitioned to the role of Regional Director of Operations for HOPE Christian Schools, and now serves at the HOPE Prima Principal.. Ashley graduated in May of 2023 with her PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service.

Danesha Washington is a native of Milwaukee, WI and was educated through the Milwaukee Public Schools. She has been employed at HOPE Christian School: Semper since the founding year of 2012. Ms. Washington began her career at HOPE Semper as the Office Manager. Through this position, she has created valuable and indispensable relationships with parents and scholars. Through hard work, dedication, and commitment,  in September of 2019, Ms. Washington was promoted to School Operations Manager. As School Operations Manager, she oversees the daily operations of the school to ensure the safety of the scholars and the viability and maintenance of the school. 

Ms. Washington enjoys working with all of the amazing scholars, building lasting partnerships with parents, and being a servant leader. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four wonderful children, watching movies, playing board games, and making memories with family and friends. 

Ms. Washington lives out her mission in service as a member of St Marcus Lutheran Church. Her favorite scripture is-“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”Galatians 6:9 King James Version (KJV)

Casandra Delgado is incredibly excited to lead our first HOPE Christian School in Racine, WI. Her mission as an educator is “to deliver proficient lessons that scholars deserve.”

Casandra began her service in Racine, WI at HOPE Christian School Via in 2015 as the founding second grade teacher. In the summer of 2017, she became the Dean of Students and then fall of 2019 Dean of Instruction. While at HOPE Via, she specialized in school culture, academics, and building lasting relationships with scholars and families.

Prior to joining HOPE, Casandra completed her student teaching at a public district middle school Bridges program. It was this experience where the Lord opened her heart, and she had a passion to work in urban education. She started her first teaching job at St. Rafael the Archangel where she taught 2nd grade.

Casandra participated in numerous leadership trainings and has had the opportunity to be led by some of the best leaders in today’s education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Education grades1-9th and a minor in Geography through Carthage College and received her M. Ed. Administration Leadership from Alverno College. She also holds a Principal & Director of Instruction license in the State of Wisconsin.

During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Mando, 7 year old Sebastian and 2 fur babies Marshall and Oswald. She also has developed a passion for running and look forward to participating in her first full marathon Spring of 2021.